Maintaining A Drain Tube After Surgery
by Donna Hayes
Certain types of surgeries (particularly those than involve cavities) require a drainage tube to remain in position for a few days. The drains help in getting rid of fluids such as pus, blood and serous fluid that tend to accumulate within such cavities. There are different types of tubes that exist and the choice depends on the nature of operation, the resultant wound as well as surgeon preference. We will look at how a <a href="http://medicaldrain.com">drain tube after surgery</a> should be maintained.
Fluid removals achieved by one of two mechanisms: passive and active methods. In the former type of mechanism, the fluid is made to flow freely under the influence of gravity. The active mechanism, in contrast, relies on a vacuum or a suction machine. The choice depends on a number of factors such as the type and the amount of fluid to be removed.
The initial inspection should be done immediately the patient is received into the ward from the operating theater. It is important to ensure that the tube is functioning properly. If one notices any leakage, redness or oozing at the insertion site, the same should be documented and the surgeon informed. Kinked and knotted areas should be identified and rectified. The drain should be well secured with tape or sutures.
In the subsequent rounds, repeat the same procedure and document. Look out for signs of sepsis and note down if any exist. Such signs include fever, redness at the entry site, tenderness and oozing. Let the other persons that are involved in the management know about such signs as soon as possible. The next step is usually to take a pus swab of the site as well as a blood sample for culture.
It is recommended that observations be made at least every four hours with documentation of findings done every time. Patency should be confirmed before and after a patient is moved. Blockages are some of the commonest complications encountered. When a tube blocks, fluids tend to accumulate within the cavities and increase the chances of infections setting in. The result is delayed wound healing and longer hospital stay.
Leakage is fairly common. If you notice a leaking tube, try to reinforce it with more dressing and adhesive tape and observe. If there is dislodgment or blockage, replacement may be needed. Other complications that need intervention include retraction, kinking and adherence to granulation tissue. In most cases of adherent granulation tissue, surgical removal is usually required.
The drain is removed once the amount of fluid that is drained per day drops below 25 ml. There are many techniques that can be used in withdrawal. One of the methods involves a gentle pull that is done over several days. It is argued that this approach allows for the wound to also heal gradually. The other approach is where the tube is pulled out in one instance and the defect closed with a stitch.
Once the tube has been removed, dressing of the wound continues and the site has to be monitored for signs of infections. Minimal leakage may continue and the wound is expected to heal within a week after which dressing is discontinued. Patients should be educated on how to look for danger signs both before and after removal.
If you are looking for the details about <a href="http://medicaldrain.com">drain tube after surgery</a>, go to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://medicaldrain.com now.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Maintaining A Drain Tube After Surgery
Author: Donna Hayes
Email: nathanwebster335@live.com
Keywords: drain tube after surgery
Word Count: 548
Category: Disease & Illness
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